AIA COTE Top Ten for Students Competition crowns 2024 winners

The AIA COTE’s new Top Ten for Students Competition winners have been selected for 2024 in partnership with the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). 

Featuring an emphasis on net zero carbon emissions combined with a vision for a more equitable future, many of the winning projects were aimed at serving a variety of different communities in need, including those affected by last year's wildfires in Hawaii. Students preferred solutions that favored the effectiveness of prefabrication, flexible configurations, and modular design. Multiple concepts from Clemson, the University of Waterloo, and the University of Arkansas made the cut. The ACSA says each team was told to seek out and develop an "innovative, thoroughly integrated approach to architecture, natural systems, and technology" in the course of their development.

The jury for this year's contest included professionals from Howard University, Google, Populous, and Perkins Eastman, among other affiliations. You can compare their selections to last year's winner here.

Ahupua’a: Ecosystem Intervention + Building Design

Students: Andrew Fulmer & Coly Tabberson
Faculty: David Franco, Andreea Mihalache & Brandon Pass
Institution: Clemson University

Juror Comments: "Ahupua’a : Ecosystem Intervention + Building Design provides a tool to cultivate onsite sugarcane and bamboo as an economic stimulus that is self-sustaining. The graphics are sophisticated and well detailed. The project creates a sustainable model for integrational communities."

Arko Park: Reclaiming the Grounds

Student: Israel Zamorano
Faculty: Pedro Veloso
Institution: University of Arkansas

Juror Comments: "Arko Park: Reclaiming the Grounds has a well-designed roof that is the centerpiece of this beautifully rendered project. The exterior shading has a simple and elegant design that can be built."

Alamihi Village

Students: Jared Cook & Matthew Ngango
Faculty: David Franco, Andreea Mihalache & Brandon Pass
Institution: Clemson University

Juror Comments: "Alamihi Village design addresses the recent wildfires in Hawaiʻi and creates a well executed and charming sustainable shelter. The flexible interior walls provide future accommodation to reconfigure the community spaces."

Grow

Student: Madeline Hope Engen
Faculty: Jaliya Fonseka
Institution: University of Waterloo

Juror Comments: "Grow articulates a great energy analysis which includes embodied carbon, realistic calculations and adaptive reuse. The project includes innovative food production and well integrated vegetation within the designs."

Collaborative Avenue

Student: Matthew Schroeder
Faculty: Pedro Veloso
Institution: University of Arkansas

Juror Comments: "Collaborative Avenue brings a unique approach to an eco-conscious design and combines modern architectural elements with functional sustainability. The visually compelling graphics show a clear understanding of the occupants’ experience in the breathtaking drawings."

Fire Station Park: An Elevated Experience

Students: Betty Chen, Rohith Dumpala & Alexis Winston
Faculty: Tyler Hinckley & Jacob Werner
Institution: Boston Architectural College

Juror Comments: "Fire Station Park: An Elevated Experience evokes a transformative idea of an elevated urban landscape. The beautiful design shows how good planning and attention to detail can combine a unique structure while providing a safe community space."

Harvest Hub

Student: Cole Hollier
Faculty: Lavinia Fici Pasquina & Ezio Mattiace
Institution: Catholic University of America

Juror Comments: "Harvest Hub has a distinctive approach to addressing food deserts and uses unique slanted glass throughout. The narrative on equitable communities elevates the design’s purpose for a more sustainable food industry."

WAVE: Widely Accessible Vocational Education

Student: Sofia Gonzales
Collaborators: Kelly Kottlowski & Octavio Gutierrez
Faculty: Siobhan Rockcastle
Institution: University of Oregon

Juror Comments: "WAVE: Widely Accessible Vocational Education creates an innovative engagement between the environment and community. The modular forms, seen in the engaging renderings, provide efficiency in construction and flexibility in design."

Pinguatigaq

Students: Thomas Biscaro, Zian Charron & Thomas Laprise
Faculty: Claude Demers & André Potvin
Institution: Université Laval

Juror Comments: "Pinguatigaq is a well-executed design using prefabricated components. The design beautifully focuses on innovative bioclimatic and hydroponic greenhouses to serve the community."

Stonehouse: More Than a Food Bank

Student: Yoon Hur
Faculty: Jaliya Fonseka
Institution: University of Waterloo

Juror Comments: "Stonehouse: More Than a Food Bank has a sophisticated aesthetic and well-designed interior renderings. The creative blend of heritage and modern functionality is well executed in this stunning project."